The Social Development Minister is certain it's only a matter of time before beneficiary numbers fall from a 12-year high.

New figures show 427,000 people were on a main benefit in December - including more than half on Jobseeker. 

That's despite the Government declaring it would curb welfare dependency shortly after taking office. 

Louise Upston says businesses sentiment is improving.

"When businesses are confident, they take on more staff. The staff they've got, they give more hours, they lift wages. So we are really confident things have started to turn the corner." 

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